The link between rational individual behavior and collectively desirable outcomes is extremely tenuous.
Robert H. FrankIf government is inevitable, the challenge is to come up with the most effective one possible.
Robert H. FrankRising inequality hasn't really accomplished anything of value for its ostensible beneficiaries, the top one percent. They've all built bigger mansions and staged more lavish parties. But in so doing, they've simply raised the bar that defines what's considered adequate in these categories.
Robert H. FrankPass down values every day through your actions, your words and your time with your kids.
Robert H. FrankMany decry rising inequality because it makes those who've fallen behind feel impoverished. But it's done much more than cause hurt feelings. It has also raised the real cost to middle-income families of achieving many basic goals. The process begins with the completely unremarkable fact that top earners have been spending at a substantially higher rate than before. They've been building bigger mansions, staging more elaborate weddings and coming-of-age parties for their kids, buying more and better of everything.
Robert H. Frank